How licensing works in Missouri
The Missouri Department of Revenue issues licenses. Teens move from an instruction permit to an intermediate license, then to a full license at 18.
| Stage | Minimum age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Instruction permit | 15 | Pass the written test. Drive only with supervision. Hold at least 6 months. Log 40 hours (10 at night). |
| Intermediate license | 16 | Driving restricted 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. First 6 months: one passenger under 19. After that: three passengers under 19. Family members are exempt. |
| Full license | 18 | Drivers with a clean record may apply in the 30 days before turning 18. |
New drivers are most likely to crash in their first months of driving alone, and night driving and carrying friends make that risk higher. Graduated licensing rules give you time to build skill in safer conditions, so you gain experience before the limits come off.
The Missouri written test
Before you get an instruction permit, you pass a written test on Missouri traffic laws and road signs. The questions come from the Missouri Driver Guide published by the Department of Revenue.
- Read the whole Missouri Driver Guide.
- Learn every road sign by shape and color.
- Check the Department of Revenue website for documents and fees before you go.
- Practice with these questions until you score 90% or more.
Rules specific to Missouri
Phones
Missouri bans handheld phone use and texting for all drivers. Enforcement is secondary, which means police need another reason to stop you first. The safest choice is to put your phone away while you drive.
Seat belts
- Riders aged 8 to 15 must be belted in any seat, and police can stop you for it (primary enforcement).
- Riders 16 and older must be belted in the front seat. For them the law is secondary.
Child seats
| Child | Required restraint |
|---|---|
| Under 4, or under 40 pounds | Child safety seat |
| 4 to 7, 40 to 80 pounds, and 4 feet 9 inches or shorter | Child safety seat or booster seat |
| 4 or older and over 80 pounds or taller than 4 feet 9 inches | Booster seat or safety belt |
Impaired driving
- A first offense brings a 90-day administrative suspension.
- Restricted driving is possible right away with an ignition interlock, or after 30 days without one.
- Penalties increase at a BAC of 0.15%.
- Ignition interlocks are required for repeat convictions.
Speed limits
| Road | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Rural interstates | 70 mph |
| Other limited-access roads | 70 mph |
| Urban interstates | 60 mph |
Missouri has no state law on speed or red light cameras, but cities may allow them by local ordinance.
License renewal
Most Missouri licenses are renewed every 6 years. Drivers 70 and older renew every 3 years.
Key numbers to remember
Many test questions ask for an exact age, time or number. Use this table as a quick review before you practice.
| Rule | Number |
|---|---|
| Permit age | 15 |
| Permit holding period | 6 months |
| Practice hours | 40, including 10 at night |
| Intermediate age | 16 |
| Night limit | 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. |
| Passengers, first 6 months | 1 under 19 (family exempt) |
| Full privileges | 18 |
| Urban interstate limit | 60 mph |
Test tips
- Read the Missouri Driver Guide all the way through.
- Learn the numbers: 15, 16, 18, 6 months, 40 and 10 hours, 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., under 19.
- Take these practice tests until you score 90% or more.
- Review signs daily in the week before your test.
On test day
Give yourself plenty of time on the day of your test. Get a good night's sleep, eat something before you go, and arrive early so you do not feel rushed.
- Bring every document on the official checklist, plus your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to see.
- Turn off your phone and put it away before the test starts.
- Read each question all the way through, then read every answer before you choose.
- If you are not sure, first rule out the answers you know are wrong.
- Change an answer only if you are sure you misread the question.
If you do not pass, do not give up. Look at the topics you missed, study those parts of the handbook again, and take more practice tests before you try again.
Keep studying
This guide covers rules that are special to Missouri. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, turns, lane markings, parking and sharing the road, are in the national US driving study guide. Study both before your test.